Black★Rock Shooter (2012)

1 - How Much Louder Do I Need to Shout?

In another world, the eponymous Black Rock Shooter battles a mysterious red-eyed opponent. Meanwhile, in the human world, Mato Kuroi enters middle school and takes an interest in her classmate, Yomi Takanashi. The two quickly become friends due to their common fondness for a book from their childhood. After inviting Mato to her house, Yomi becomes worried when Kagari Izuriha, a wheelchair-bound girl who wants to keep Yomi to herself, arrives and acts with hostility towards Mato, causing her to become frightened. Meanwhile, in the other world, Black Rock Shooter follows a green trail to a wasteland filled with broken toys where she is attacked by a girl resembling Kagari named Chariot.

2 - The Sky Embracing Dawn

As Black Rock Shooter continues to struggle against Chariot and Dead Master, Mato waits at the festival for Yomi, but she never arrives as Kagari wouldnt let her. As Mato dreams that night of Black Rock Shooter, who had a heart scarred on her chest, she discovers Yomi has the same scar the next day, yelling at her for having no spine. After consulting with Saya, who tells her dreams serve a deep meaning between friends, Mato goes to Yomis house, but Kagari stops Yomi from coming to see her by throwing herself down the stairs. As Kagari is taking into hospital for a twisted wrist, Mato hears from Yomis mother about how Kagari was hit by a car whilst chasing after Yomi, demanding she look after her. Determined in her belief that Yomi shouldnt suffer for that, Mato voices her pleas to go home with Yomi, calling her by her first name. Mato helps Yomi realise her true feelings, wanting to be earnest friends with both Mato and Kagari. As Dead Master manages to break free from her binds, but she is captured by another evil, Black Gold Saw, whilst Black Rock Shooter is forced to kill Chariot, which has its effect on Kagari.

3 - Tears Held Back Threaten to Spill Over

As Mato prepares to go to training camp with her basketball club, Yomi starts to become jealous of Matos childhood friend, Yuu Kotari. Mato has more dreams involving Black Gold Saw during camp, and at the same time, Saya takes an interest in Yomi. Upon returning to school, the basketball coach, Arata Kohata, discovers the boy she had a crush on had posted her love letter for all to see. She holds back tears in front of the crowd, and ultimately laughs off the incident as if it hardly mattered to her. Kohata visits Saya afterward, but Saya begins acting strangely by taunting Kohata, reminding her that everyone is laughing at her. In the other world, Black Rock Shooter attacks Black Gold Saws hideout, killing her minions. Simultaneously in the human word, Kohata experiences a sudden pain in her head and falls unconscious in front of Mato.

4 - The World I Once Dreamt of Closes

In the other world, another being named Strength is seen throwing Chariots corpse off a cliff. Meanwhile, Kagari starts going to school and starts making friends which, on top of Matos duties with her club, causes Yomi to feel unwanted. As Kagari asks Mato for some advice on how to cheer up Yomi, they stumble upon Yomi arguing with Kagaris friends, saying something she soon regrets and locking herself in her room, ignoring Kagaris visits. The next day, the boy Arata confessed to the other day tries to apologise to her, but she has no memory of him. Meanwhile, Yomi falls further into depression when she receives a text from Yuu. Believing Kagari to be the only one who would need her, Yomi snaps when Kagari tells her to let her go. This has an effect on the other world, as Dead Master emerges with a darker personality and stands off against Black Rock Shooter.